New Delhi: Independent India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi passed away at the age of 106 on Saturday. Calling him an inspiration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several others mourned his demise.
Recalling Negi, PM Modi, as quoted by news agency ANI, said, “When I was on my way to Himachal, I got the sad news of the passing away of the first voter of independent India, Shyam Saran Negi, who belonged to Kinnaur. The 106-year-old Negi had cast a vote for over 30 times in his entire life. Not only this, he had also cast his vote on November 2 in the Assembly elections through postal ballot. He performed his duty by casting a vote before his demise. This will always inspire every citizen especially the youth of our country. I bow my head in tribute to him with an emotional heart.”
Taking to Twitter, Amit Shah wrote, “The death of Shyam Saran Negi ji of Himachal, the first voter of the country is sad. From the first election of the country till now, he has voted in all the elections. His faith and commitment to the democratic processes of the country at the age of 106 is an inspiration to all.”
Expressing his grief, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur tweeted in Hindi, “Saddened to hear the news of the demise of Shyam Saran Negi Ji, the first voter of independent India and who belonged to Kinnaur.”
Taking to Twitter, the Election Commission wrote, “Not just first voter of Independent India, but a man with exceptional faith in democracy. ECI mourns the demise of Shri Shyam Saran Negi. We are eternally grateful for his service to the Nation.”
“The BJP expresses deep sorrow and condolences on the demise of independent India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi Ji, the first voter of independent India. May God bless the departed pious soul and give him peace and salvation,” the Himachal unit of BJP tweeted.
Notably, Negi passed away at his native place in Himachal Pradesh’s Kalpa, days after he cast his last vote in 14th Assembly elections of the hill state.